Stereoscopic endoscope with miniaturized electronic imaging chip

ABSTRACT

In accordance with one form of the present invention, a stereoscopic endoscope is provided which has an elongated thin cylindrical barrel with a pair of CCDs mounted transversely within the barrel adjacent the distal end thereof. A pair of objective optics are mounted within the barrel between the distal end thereof and the respective CCDs for focusing an image observed through the endoscope on the CCDs. Image signal transmitting wires connected to each CCD extend longitudinally through the barrel and out the proximal end thereof for transmitting an image signal to a remote location. Light transmitting fibers are tightly packed around the objective optics and the CCDs. A first connector is secured to the proximal end of the wires for connection to a stereoscopic image producing device and a second connector is secured to the proximal of the light transmitting fibers for connection to a light source. In another embodiment, the CCDs are mounted in back-to-back relationship and use a prism for directing and focusing an imaging on each CCD. In a third embodiment, an end cap is hinged to the distal end of the barrel with one CCD mounted at the end of the barrel and the other CCD mounted in the end of the end cap in face-to-face relationship with the first CCD when the end cap is closed. The end cap can be swung to an open position to generate a stereoscopic image.

This is a division, of U.S. application Ser. No. 07/954,578 filed Sep.30, 1992, now U.S. Pat. No. 5,381,284.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This invention relates to an endoscope and more particularly to astereoscopic endoscope of small diameter.

BACKGROUND ART

Stereoscopic endoscopes are known in the prior art. However, they arevery large and bulky and hard to use. Also, they include complicatedoptics which make them very expensive. Because of their size they cancreate great discomfort to the patient.

In spite of these difficulties, a small diameter stereoscopic endoscopewould be desirable because it would give the doctor a three-dimensionalview of the operative site. Such a three-dimensional view will greatlyenhance the physician's ability to evaluate conditions at the operativesite and to successfully manipulate operative devices at the site tocomplete the desired operative procedure.

Examples of stereoscopic endoscopes are as follows:

Tasaki et al., U.S. Pat. No. 3,520,587, discloses a stereoscopicendoscope having two flexible fiber optic systems with objective lenssystems being located at the distal end of each for focusing an image ofthe site to be inspected. An ocular is located at the proximal end ofeach fiber bundle for viewing the transmitted images. A visualperception in three-dimension is thereby created. This device isintended to provide a stereoscopic endoscope of limited diameter, butbecause of the use of light fibers for both transmitting and receivinglight and the requirement for relatively sophisticated electronics, thedevice is still larger than desired and quite costly.

Miyazaki, U.S. Pat. No. 4,926,257, discloses a stereoscopic endoscopecomprising a single solid-state image sensor and an optical imagesystem. Stereoscopic imaging is made possible by shifting thesolid-state image sensor back and forth between the two optical imagingsystems. A prism system is provided in which images are sequentiallytransmitted to provide the three-dimensional image for viewing.

Jones, Jr. et al., U.S. Pat. No. 4,924,853, also discloses astereoscopic endoscope using a single imaging lens whereby the image issplit by a split beam prism, which images are converted to electricalsignals and displayed on a television screen. The images are transmittedfrom the lens by means of coherent light transmitting elements. Thisdevice also provides for the alternate transmission of images to providea three-dimensional image for viewing.

Yajima et al., U.S. Pat. No. 4,862,873, discloses a stereoscopicendoscope comprising a pair of optical guides which are capable ofconducting and illuminating light to be reflected on the site to beobserved. While one optical guide conducts the illuminating light, theother optical guide conducts the light from the object being observed.The optical guides can be switched from one function to the other,thereby creating a stereoscopic image.

Tsujiuchi et al., U.S. Pat. No. 4,895,431, discloses a stereoscopicendoscope in which a first endoscope image is taken at one positionwhile a second endoscopic image is taken from a second position. Theendoscopic images are partially overlapped with means for detecting therelationship between the first and second images, thereby providing athree-dimensional image.

Each of the devices described above, is complex and therefor expensive.Also, none of them provide an endoscope in which two CCDs are intransverse side-by-side relationship within the endoscope, therebyadding to their complexity and/or size.

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with one form of the present invention, a stereoscopicendoscope is provided which has an elongated thin cylindrical barrel, adistal end and a proximal end. A pair of charge coupled devices, alsoknown as CCDs, are mounted in spaced relationship within the barreladjacent the distal end thereof. A pair of objective optics are mountedwithin the barrel between the distal end thereof and the respectiveCCDs. The objective optics are each coterminous with the distal end ofthe barrel for focusing an image observed through the endoscope on theCCDs. Image signal transmitting wires connected to each CCD extendlongitudinally through the barrel and out the proximal end thereof fortransmitting an image signal to a remote location. Light transmittingfibers are positioned around the objective optics and the CCDs and havedistal ends coterminous with the distal end of the barrel. A firstconnector is secured to the proximal end of the wires for connection toa stereoscopic image producing device and a second connector is securedto the proximal of the light transmitting fibers for connection to alight source.

In another embodiment, the CCDs are mounted in back-to-back relationshipand the objective optics each include a prism for directing and focusingan imaging on each CCD.

In a third embodiment, an end cap is hinged to the distal end of thebarrel with one CCD mounted at the end of the barrel and the other CCDmounted in the end of the end cap in face-to-face relationship with hefirst CCD when the end cap is closed. The end cap can be swung to anopen position to generate a stereoscopic image. The objective optics forthe second CCD are mounted in the end cap in front of the CCD. The imagesignal transmitting wires for the second CCD pass from the end cap pastthe hinge and longitudinally through the barrel. Conveniently, the lighttransmitting fibers are tightly packed around the objective optics andthe CCDs.

The hinged version of the device can include a coil spring around thehinge which normally urges the end cap toward the open position.Conveniently, a channel can extend longitudinally through the barrel anda sleeve can be provided in the end cap which is aligned with thechannel when the end cap is closed position. A locking rod is thenextendable through the channel and has a distal end receivable infrictional engagement with the sleeve to hold the end cap in closedposition against the force of the spring. After the endoscope has beeninserted into the patient's body, the locking rod can be withdrawn whichthen releases the end cap to be swung by the force of the spring to itsopen position.

The CCDs are of a miniaturized electronic imaging chip interlinetransfer architecture. The CCDs comprise stratified layers wherein abase silicon layer is thin enough to allow passage therethrough of mostUV, visible and IR light which strikes a pixel layer formed on the backside of the base silicon layer. Various interconnect layers including aninterlace circuit, vertical shift register, horizontal shift registerand an output register are terminated on the chip margins on the surfaceof the outermost interconnect layer as bonding site pads to allow bumpbonding of electrical pins extending away from the chip for attachmentto means for sensing electrical signals generated by an image projectedonto the pixel layer through the base silicon layer. Preferably, theleads are bonded perpendicular to the chip surface and lie within anarea defined by the peripheral edge of the silicon layer.

The manufacturing process used to make these CCDs begins with shavingthe silicon substrate on the back side of a standard CCD to a sufficientthinness to allow passage of a light image therethrough. The CCD is thenreversed so that the image is projected through the thin back side ofthe silicon substrate. Leads are bumped bond to the former front surfaceof the CCD in perpendicular relation thereto so as to lie within thearea defined by the peripheral edge thereof for supplying electricalsignals to and from the CCD. These modifications significantly reducethe outside dimensions of the CCD architecture by totally eliminatingthe frame which supports the CCD and holds the standard electrical leadsand required packaging.

By this process, a CCD is provided whose surface area is no greater thanthat defined by the pixel layer itself. Furthermore, the total thicknessof the chip is reduced. This process makes the chip sufficiently smallenabling it to be used in the invention disclosed herein.

From the foregoing, it can be seen that a stereoscopic endoscope hasbeen provided which is of simple construction and small in size and inwhich the CCD devices can be placed in side-by-side relationship in athin endoscope body.

Additional advantages of this invention will become apparent from thedescription which follows, taken in conjunction with the accompanyingdrawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a stereoscopic endoscope of thisinvention connected to suitable light generating means and imageprocessing means;

FIG. 2 is an enlarged fragmentary perspective view of the distal end ofa stereoscopic endoscope constructed in accordance with this invention;

FIG. 3 is a horizontal section, taken along line 3--3 of FIG. 2, showingthe internal components of the stereoscopic endoscope;

FIG. 4 is a greatly enlarged fragmentary section of the terminal end ofan alternative embodiment of the stereoscopic endoscope wherein the CCDsare in back-to-back relationship;

FIG. 5 is a vertical section, taken along line 5--5 of FIG. 4, showingfurther details of this embodiment;

FIG. 6 is a perspective fragmentary view of an alternative embodimentwith a hinged end cap in closed position;

FIG. 7 is a fragmentary perspective view, similar to FIG. 6 but showingthe end cap in open position;

FIG. 8 is an enlarged fragmentary horizontal section, taken along line8--8 of FIG. 6, showing further details of the endoscope; and

FIG. 9 is an enlarged fragmentary horizontal section, taken along line9--9 of FIG. 7, showing further details of the endoscope with the endcap in open position.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a prior art CCD supported in an openingin a large substrate which includes the electronic packaging;

FIG. 11 is an exploded, diagrammatical, enlarged view of the CCD of FIG.1;

FIG. 12 is an exploded, diagrammatical view of a CCD constructed inaccordance with this invention; and

FIG. 13 is a section showing the CCD of FIG. 3 used with a lens systemin an endoscope.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

In accordance with this invention, a stereoscopic endoscope 10 isprovided, as shown in FIGS. 1-3 which has a thin elongated hollow barrel12. A pair of imaging chips, such as CCDs 14a and 14b are mountedadjacent to the distal end of barrel 12 with objective optics 16a and16b mounted between the distal end of barrel 12 and the CCDs forfocusing an image of an investigative or operative site onto the CCDs.The CCDs are connected to suitable electronic packages 18a and 18b whichin turn are connected to image signal transmitting wires 20 which extendlongitudinally through the barrel and out the distal end thereof. Lighttransmitting fibers 22 extend longitudinally through barrel 12 and aretightly packed around and between the objective optics 16 and the CCDs14a and 14b and extend longitudinally through the barrel and out thedistal end. The wires 20 and light fibers 22 are contained within asleeve 24 extending from the distal end of barrel 12, as seen in FIG. 1.The light fibers 22 exit the proximal end of sleeve 24 and are connectedto a light source 26 by means of a connector 28 attached to the proximalend of light fibers 22. The light fibers are also coterminous with thedistal end of barrel 12. The proximal end of wires 20 exit the proximalend of sleeve 24 and are connected to electronic control unit 30. Barrel12 can also be provided with a longitudinal passageway or channel 32 towhich a source of fluid can be connected for clearing the viewing areaat the distal end of endoscope 10. Channel 32 also can be used forinserting operative instruments to conduct an operative procedure at theoperative site.

The spacing between CCDs 14a and 14b provides the parallax needed tocreate a stereoscopic view. The CCDs 14a and 14b can be mounted at aslight angle of convergence, such as 1°, or they can be mounted paralleland utilize a software system to create the convergence electronically.

Although the CCDs have been illustrated in the drawings as one above theother, they may be located side-by-side. However, it has been found thatthe eyes and brain fuse the images from the CCDs better and provide asuperior stereoscopic view for the physician when one CCD is above theother. However, either configuration is acceptable.

Control unit 30 contains two TV cameras video processing units whichalternately provide images to TV monitor 34 through cable 35. A suitablecontrol unit for this purpose is shown in U.S. Pat. No. 4,862,873 toYajima et al., entitled "Stereo Endoscope". The structure anddescription of the control unit disclosed in this patent is herebyincorporated by reference. The image displayed on monitor 34 is imagedon the right eye or the left eye through shield glasses 36 having shieldfilters 38a and 38b which are connected to control unit 30 by means ofcables 40a and 40b. Shield filters 38a and 38b can be liquid crystalshutters which utilize twistneumatic liquid crystal. When a voltage isapplied to shield filter 38a, light is prevented from being transmittedtherethrough to the eye of the physician. Conversely, at the same timeno voltage will be applied to shield filter 38b allowing an image topass therethrough to the other eye of the physician. The voltages willbe applied and interrupted alternately through cables 40a and 40b. Arate, such as fifty cycles per second, is sufficiently fast so that thealternate interruption of the eyes is not apparent, so that thephysician views a stereoscopic image on monitor 34 when viewing themonitor through shield glasses 36. It should be noted that other systemsare available or under development utilizing multi-sync TV monitors andutilizing other liquid crystal members which can be used to providedisplay of stereoscopic images without the need for shield glasses.

It will be noted that the CCDs 14a and 14b are mounted transverselyacross the barrel 12 which arrangement has not been possible with priorstereoscopic endoscopes. It is possible with applicant's invention,because of the development of a new CCD shown incorporated by reference.

An alternative stereoscopic endoscope 50 is shown in FIGS. 4 and 5. Thisendoscope includes a barrel 52 in which the CCDs 54a and 54b are mountedcentrally in back-to-back relationship. The objective optics 56a and 56binclude objective lenses 58a and 58b, respectively, and prisms 60a and60b, respectively, which focus and direct an image from an image site toCCDs 54a and 54b, respectively. CCDs are connected to image signaltransmitting wires 62 which extend longitudinally through the barrel asin the previous embodiment. Light transmitting fibers 64 are packedtightly around the objective optics and CCDs and between them fortransmitting light to the operative site. These fibers runlongitudinally through barrel 52. The image signal transmitting wires 62and light fibers 64 are connected at their proximal ends to anelectronic control unit, such as control unit 30 in FIG. 1 and to asource of light, such as light source 26. The image is reproduced on amonitor such as monitor 34 and viewed through glasses such as shieldglasses 36 in the manner previously described. With this arrangement,the diameter of barrel 52 may be even smaller than that of barrel 12 inthe previous embodiment.

Although not shown, the embodiment of FIGS. 4 and 5 could be providedwith a channel such as channel 32 shown in the embodiments of FIGS. 1-3,for the same purpose.

A still further embodiment is shown in FIGS. 6-9. In this embodiment, anendoscope 70 has a barrel 72. End cap 74 is pivotally attached to thedistal end of barrel 72 by means of a hinge 76 and is normally urgedinto an open position by means of a coil spring 78 extending aroundhinge 76. A first CCD 80a is mounted at the distal end of barrel 72 justbehind objective optics 82a in the form of an objective lens. Similarly,CCD 80b is mounted in end cap 74 behind objective optics 82b which is inthe form of another objective lens for focusing an image of operativesite onto the CCD. These CCDs 80a and 80b, respectively, together withtheir objective lenses 82a and 82b, respectively, are mounted inface-to-face relationship when the end cap is in closed position asshown in FIG. 8. Thus, they lie along the axis 84 of barrel 72, as seenin FIG. 8. A locking rod 88 is mounted for sliding movement through achannel 90 extending within and along the length of barrel 72. Lockingrod 88 has a distal end that extends into sleeve 92 in end cap 74 with africtional fit sufficient to hold end cap 74 in the closed positionagainst the force of coil spring 78.

Electronic packaging 94a is connected to CCD 80a and has a distal endconnected to image signal transmitting wires 96 which extendlongitudinally through barrel 72. Similarly, CCD 80b is connected toelectronic packaging 94 which in turn is connected to image signaltransmitting wires 98 which extend past hinge 76 and longitudinallythrough barrel 72. Also, light transmitting fibers 100 are packedtightly around CCD 80a, objective lens 82a and electronic packaging 94afor providing light to the operative site. These wires and light fibersextend through the proximal end of barrel 72 and are connected in themanner described above with respect to FIGS. 1-3. The mode of operationis identical.

In use, endoscope 70 is inserted to the operative site whereupon lockingrod 88 is withdrawn from sleeve 92 so that end cap 74 snaps open to theposition shown in FIGS. 7 and 9. This separation of CCDs 80a and 80b, asshown in FIG. 9, creates a parallax wherein CCD 80a lies along axis 84of barrel 72 and CCD 80b lies along axis 102 of end cap 74.

With this arrangement barrel 72 can be made smaller than either barrels12 or barrels 52, or alternatively it can be provided with channels 104and 106, respectively, for introducing fluid or instruments to theoperative area.

When it is desired to withdraw the endoscope, the end cap will be pushedto closed position by engagement therewith with the end of a trocharthrough which the endoscope has been introduced into the body or byengagement with a body passageway through which the endoscope has beenintroduced to the operative site.

FIGS. 10 and 11 show a conventional electronic chip C. The chip includesone or more interconnect layers, such as layer 110, having a peripheraledge 111, and layer 112, having a peripheral edge 113, through which animage is projected onto a pixel layer 114, having a peripheral edge 115.This layer is supported on a thick silicon base layer 116, having aperipheral edge 121 sized to just fit within and be mounted in anopening 117 in a large substrate 118, having a peripheral edge 119 whichdefines a first area. The substrate 118 is similar to a picture framewhich provides a support for the chip and protects it from damage. Thissubstrate may be made of any one of several materials, such as ceramicor plastic. A plurality of leads 120 connect the electronics ininterconnecting layers to electrical contacts 122 on substrate 118.Electrical pins 124 are connected to the substrate and to electricalcontacts 122, along the margins, as shown, for connection to electricalwires (not shown) for transmitting electrical information into and outof the chip. It will be noted that the images projected in the directionof arrow 126 as shown in FIG. 10, must be projected through interconnectlayers 110 and 112 onto pixel layer 114. Thereby reducing the amount oflight that can be transmitted to the pixel layer. The light which doespass through the interconnect layers is distorted by them, resulting ina distorted image being projected onto the pixel layer. Also, sincesubstrate 118 is substantially bigger in area than pixel layer 114, asignificantly larger area is required by the chip than the area occupiedby the pixel layer and the associated layers above and below it.

By the disclosure of the present invention, an improved CCD of the typeshown in FIGS. 12 and 13 is provided. The chip C is removed fromsubstrate 118 and turned over so that silicon layer 116 is at the top.Next, silicon layer 116 is shaved down to a sufficiently thin thicknessto allow the transmission of a light image. The desired thickness willvary depending on the particular application. An acceptable thicknessrange has been found to be between 3 and 200 microns. A preferred rangeis between 6 and 10 microns. After shaving, a thin layer 130 is formed,having a peripheral edge 131 defining a second area, which is smallerthan the first area defined by peripheral edge 119, which is now locatedabove pixel layer 114. After reversing the chip, interconnect layers 110and 112 are mounted below pixel layer 114, as shown, and posts 132 areindium bump bonded to interconnect layer 110 and extend generallyperpendicular thereto within the second area to provide electricalconnections for bringing data into and out of the chip. Advantageously,the posts are positioned within the area defined by peripheral edge 115of pixel layer 114, With this arrangement, the area of modified chip C'is no larger than the area of pixel layer 114, such as 2 mm square.

This allows the modified chip C' to be placed inside an endoscope 134having a diameter no larger than 3 or 4 mm. The chip is shown near thedistal end of endoscope 134, as shown in FIG. 13, with an appropriatelens system 136 for focusing an image on the chip. Because of thethinness of silicon layer 130 and the fact that the light does not needto pass through the interconnect layers 110 and 112, it is possible forpixel layer 114 to receive up to 90% of UV or infrared light in additionto light in the visible light range. Thus, the use of the chip isenhanced for a wider light spectrum thereby increasing its utility. Insome applications, filters can be placed over the chip to regulate thefrequency of light being utilized by the CCD. In addition, since thelight does not have to pass through the interconnect layers, there isless distortion of the image as it is projected onto the pixel layer.Also, a chip constructed in the manner of chip C' can be autoclavedwhereas the conventional chip and packaging will be damaged or destroyedby the high temperatures required for autoclaving. Because of theminiaturization of chip C', a pair of such chips can be used inside-by-side relationship within a stereoscopic endoscope withoutresulting in an endoscope of excessively large diameter. Also, they canbe used alone to provide a very miniaturized endoscope, as discussedabove, for use in passageways and through trochars in a less intrusivemanner than that which was previously possible.

In the foregoing description the pixel layer and interconnect layershave been described as being separate distinct layers, In reality, theelements that make up the chip are stratified as is well understood bythose skilled in the art of the construction of CCDs. Therefore, theterm "layers" as used herein is intended to cover the pixel layer andinterconnect layers in a more integrated and stratified arrangement.

The endoscopes of this invention each may be constructed with fluidimpervious construction where optics, fiber optic light fibers,electronic cables are thoroughly sealed against moisture entry into thedevice so that it may be "soaked" in disinfectant solutions to allow usein surgery. Also the CCDs can be mounted in endoscope made of materialssuch as glass fibers, optics (objective lenses), an outer enclosure ofstainless steel and electronic cables insulated with high temperatureplastics such as Teflon or silicone rubber which will also allow thedevice to be heat sterilized.

The device(s) may be used in endoscopic surgery such as laparoscopy andthoracoscopy and other uses where the body cavity or organ may be underpressure from instilled gases (or fluids). In such case, the operativechannel will be "closed" by a suitable stopcock to prevent gas or fluidloss.

Although this device is specifically designed into a small diameterenclosure, it should be understood that it may be used to viewstructures on the surface of the body or possibly in indirectapplications where its small size may not be necessarily required. Itmay, in this case, be an exoscope or a boroscope.

From the foregoing, the advantages of the present invention areapparent. Stereoscopic endoscope is provided which is of a practicalsmall diameter that can be introduced through body channels orrelatively small trochars with minimal discomfort to the patient. Also,when introduced through a trochar, by utilizing a small diameter, thepostoperative healing will be enhanced. In one embodiment, the CCDs aremounted transversely across the endoscope in side-by-side relationship.In another embodiment, they are arranged in back-to-back relationshipand the image is brought into focus with the CCDs by means of objectiveoptics which includes a prism for changing the direction of thetransmitted image. In a third embodiment, a hinged end cap is providedon the endoscope with one CCD being in the barrel of the endoscope andthe other being in the end cap. For insertion, the end cap is closed andafter the end of the endoscope is positioned at the operative site, theend cap is opened so that the CCDs are arranged in substantiallyside-by-side relationship and lie along separate axes.

This invention has been described in detail with reference to particularembodiments thereof, but it will be understood that various othermodifications can be effected within the spirit and scope of thisinvention.

I claim:
 1. Stereoscopic endoscope comprising:an elongated thincylindrical barrel having a distal end and a proximal end; a pair ofminiaturized electronic imaging chips mounted in spaced relationshipwithin said barrel adjacent said distal end thereof, each of saidminiaturized electronic imaging chips comprising:a generally rectangularsilicon base layer having a thickness which allows a light image to passtherethrough, said silicon layer having a first side, through which theimage is projected, and a second side; a pixel layer having a first andsecond side, said first side thereof being attached to said second sideof said silicon layer, said pixel layer further having a peripheraledge; at least one interconnect layer bonded to said second side of saidpixel layer; and electrical leads bonded to and extending substantiallyperpendicular from said interconnect layer within an area defined bysaid peripheral edge of said pixel layer a pair of objective opticsmounted within said barrel between said distal end thereof and therespective chips, having a distal end coterminous with said distal endof said barrel, to focus an image observed through the endoscope on thechips; image signal transmitting wires connected to said electricalleads and extending longitudinally through said barrel and out saidproximal end thereof for transmitting an image signal to a remotelocation; light transmitting fibers positioned around said objectiveoptics and said chips and having distal ends coterminous with saiddistal end of said barrel; a first connector secured to said proximalend of said wires for connection to a stereoscopic image producingdevice; and a second connector secured to said proximal end of saidlight transmitting fibers for connection to a light source. 2.Apparatus, as claimed in claim 1, wherein:said chips, each face saiddistal end of said barrel.
 3. A stereoscopic endoscope comprising:acylindrical barrel having a distal end and a proximal end; a pair ofminiaturized electronic imaging chips mounted in spaced relationshipwithin said barrel adjacent said distal end thereof, each of said chipsincluding:a silicon base layer having a thickness which allows a lightimage to pass therethrough, said silicon layer having a first and secondside, said first side through which the image is projected; a pixellayer having a first and second side, said first side thereof beingattached to said second side of said silicon layer said pixel layerfurther having a peripheral edge; and at least one interconnect layerbonded to said second side of said pixel layer; electrical leads bondedto and extending substantially perpendicular from said interconnectlayer within an area defined by said peripheral edge of said pixellayer; a pair of objective optics mounted within said barrel betweensaid distal end thereof and the respective chips, each of said objectiveoptics having a distal end coterminous with said distal end of saidbarrel to focus an image observed through the endoscope on the chips;image signal transmitting wires electrically coupled to said electricalleads and extending longitudinally through said barrel and out saidproximal end thereof for transmitting an image signal to a remotelocation; and at least one light transmitting fiber positioned adjacentsaid objective optics and said chips, said at least one fiber having adistal end coterminous with said distal end of said barrel. 4.Apparatus, as claimed in claim 3, wherein: said chips are arranged inside-by-side relationship and wherein said chips face said distal end ofsaid barrel.
 5. Apparatus, as claimed in claim 3, further including:apair of prisms mounted within said barrel proximally from said objectiveoptics and adjacent to said chips in corresponding relation thereto,said chips arranged in back-to-back relationship wherein light passesthrough said objective optics and said prisms and is bent at an angle bysaid prisms such that each prism reflects light onto the correspondingchip.
 6. A stereoscopic endoscope comprising:a cylindrical barrel havinga distal end and a proximal end; an end cap hinged to said distal end ofsaid barrel so that it is movable between a closed position coveringsaid distal end of said barrel, said end cap having an axis lying alongthe longitudinal axis of said barrel, and an open position wherein saidend cap lies along side said barrel with said axis thereof generallyparallel to said barrel axis, said end cap hinged by means of a hingeelement having a spring that normally urges said end cap toward saidopen position; first objective optics mounted within said barrel at saiddistal end thereof; a first imaging chip mounted within said barreladjacent said first objective optics and positioned to receive an imagefocused on it by said first objective optics; first image signaltransmitting wires connected to said first imaging chip and extendinglongitudinally through said barrel and out said promixal end thereof fortransmitting a first image signal to a remote location; at least onelight transmitting fiber positioned around said first objective objectsand said first imaging chip and having a distal end coterminous withsaid distal end of said barrel; second objective optics mounted withinsaid end cap in face-to-face relationship with said first objective lenswhen said end cap is in said closed position; a second imaging chipmounted within said end cap adjacent said second objective optics andpositioned to receive an image focused on it by said second objectiveoptics; second image signal transmitting wires connected to said secondimaging chip extending from said end cap and longitudinally through saidbarrel and out said proximate end thereof for transmitting a secondimage signal to a remote location when said end cap is in said openposition with said first and second objective optics in side-by-siderelationship to provide stereoscopic images; said first and secondimaging chips each including:a silicon base layer having a thicknesswhich allows a light image to pass therethrough, said silicon layerhaving a first and second side, said first side through which the imageis projected; a pixel layer having a first and second side, said firstside thereof being attached to said second side of said silicon layersaid pixel layer further having a peripheral edge; at least oneinterconnect layer bonded to said second side of second pixel layer; andelectrical leads bonded to and extending substantially perpendicularfrom said interconnect layer within an area defined by said peripheraledge of said pixel layer.
 7. Apparatus, as claimed in claim 6, furtherincluding:a channel extending longitudinally through said barrel; asleeve in said end cap aligned with said channel when said end cap is insaid closed position; and a locking rod extendable through said channeland having a distal end receivable in frictional engagement with saidsleeve to hold said end cap in said closed position against the force ofsaid spring when said endoscope is inserted into a patient's body.
 8. Astereoscopic endoscope comprising:a cylindrical barrel having a distalend and a promixal end; an end cap hinged to said distal end of saidbarrel, said end cap being movable between an open position and a closedposition, said end cap having spring means attached thereto for urgingsaid end cap towards said open position; first objective optics mountedwithin said barrel at said distal end thereof; a first imaging chipmounted within said barrel adjacent said first objective optics andpositioned to receive an image focused on it by said first objectiveoptics; first image signal transmitting wires connected to said firstimaging chip for transmitting a first image signal to a remote location;at least one light transmitting fiber position adjacent said firstobjective optics and said first imaging chip and having distal endscoterminous with said distal end of said barrel; second objective opticsmounted within said end cap; a second imaging chip mounted within saidend cap adjacent said second objective optics and positioned to receivean image focused on it by said second objective optics; second imagesignal transmitting wires connected to said second imaging chip fortransmitting a second image signal to a remote location; and said firstand second imaging chips comprising:a silicon base layer having athickness which allows a light image to pass therethrough, said siliconlayer having a first side and a second side, said first side throughwhich the image is projected; a pixel layer having a first and secondside, said first side thereof being attached to said second side of saidsilicon layer said pixel layer further having a peripheral edge; atleast one interconnect layer bonded to said second side of said pixellayer; and electrical leads bonded to and extending substantiallyperpendicular from said interconnect layer within an area defined bysaid peripheral edge of said pixel layer.
 9. Apparatus, as claimed inclaim 8, further including:a channel extending longitudinally throughsaid barrel; a sleeve in said end cap aligned with said channel whensaid end cap is in the closed position; and a locking rod extendablethrough said channel and having a distal end receivable in said sleeveto hold said end cap in said closed position.